The effects of Vitamin C on quality of semen, testicular tissue, and level of apoptosis in mice exposed to sodium arsenite

Background: Arsenic as a heavy metal exerts malformation and changes in the reproductive system of men via induction of oxidative stress. We sought to investigate the impact of Vitamin C (Vit C), as a potent antioxidant, on sperm quality and testicular tissue in mice that received sodium arsenite. Methods and materials: NMRI mice were classified into four groups: control, sodium arsenite (7 mg/kg/day), Vit C (150 mg/kg/day), and sodium arsenite+Vit C. Gavage treatments were administered for 35 days. At the end of the treatments, the right testis was used for histopathological observations and apoptosis assessment and the left testis for sperm parameters assessment. Results: Sperm parameters such as count, motility, viability, morphology, tail length, the daily production of sperm (DSP) and the diameter of seminiferous tubules, the height of the germinal epithelium, and the number of germ cells and Sertoli cells decreased significantly in the sodium arsenite group compared to the control group. MDA levels were significantly increased, and serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the sodium arsenite group. The mentioned parameters were compensated for in the sodium arsenite+Vit C group in comparison with the sodium arsenite group. Conclusion: Vitamin C can decrease the undesired changes induced by sodium arsenite in the male reproductive system.